Patents Examined by T. Shane Bomar
  • Patent number: 6725932
    Abstract: The down hole jar tool is a tool used to apply jarring forces to objects that may be obstructing the path of a down hole, or above-ground operation that requires a repetitive jarring action to dislodge or remove such objects. The tool is used by providing a linear input to a mandrel portion that draws back against a compressible unit of predetermined resistance until a releasing means abruptly releases the mandrel portion. The mandrel portion then rapidly moves in the direction of the linear input until it encounters a stationary anvil, which produces the desired jarring action. This tool may also be combined with accelerators and/or valves, as well as other tools, to create a more substantial jarring impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventors: Mark A. Taylor, Jeff L. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6722436
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of an internal combustion engine to reduce the presence of free oxygen in the exhaust gas of the engine. The method and apparatus provides for the internal combustion engine to be operated with a fuel-to-air ratio in excess of the stoichiometric ratio such that the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine is devoid or substantially devoid of all free oxygen and excess unburned hydrocarbon fuel is expelled with the exhaust gas from the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Precision Drilling Technology Services Group Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Michael Krill
  • Patent number: 6715570
    Abstract: A two stage filter for drilling fluid using downhole tools filters solid materials from the drilling fluid and has a first, outer filter section and a second, inner filter section. A portion of the drilling fluid flowing through the first section is received by the second section, and passed on to the fluid using device of the tool. A flow area of the first filter section is greater than a flow area of the second filter section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Schumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Geoff Downton, Christian Menger, Henry Phan
  • Patent number: 6715553
    Abstract: Improved methods of generating gas in and foaming aqueous well fluids introduced into a subterranean zone are provided. A method of the invention includes the steps of combining with an alkaline aqueous well fluid one or more gas generating chemicals and a mixture of foaming and foaming stabilizing surfactants so that the gas generating chemical or chemicals react with the alkaline aqueous well fluid and gas and foam are formed in the well fluid while it is being pumped, and then pumping the well fluid into the subterranean zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: B. Raghava Reddy, Krishna M. Ravi, James E. Griffith, Frank Zamora, Karen Luke, John L. Dennis, Jr., Ricky A. Cox
  • Patent number: 6715567
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides an apparatus and method for forming a pilot hole in a formation. In one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may comprise a starter mill connected to a bearing mill by a body joint. The apparatus may further comprise a lead bearing connected to a starter mill by a lead joint. Preferably, an outer diameter of the bearing mill is about the same as an inner diameter of a wellbore. As the lead bearing travels along the concave, the apparatus will bend between the bearing mill and the lead bearing. The bend urges the starter mill into contact with the wellbore wall. In another aspect of the present invention, a method for forming a pilot hole in a wellbore includes running a tool into the wellbore, the tool comprising a starter mill disposed between a first bearing and a second bearing. While running the tool along a concave of a whipstock, the tool bends between the first and second bearing and urges the starter mill to form the pilot hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve R. Delgado, Ken W. Winterrowd, Shane P. Hart
  • Patent number: 6715558
    Abstract: In carrying out the principles of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment thereof, an annular choke apparatus, and methods of use, are provided for use within a subterranean well. In broad terms, a choke tool apparatus is provided which includes an outer housing having an outer housing wall with at least one flow port therethrough, and a variable annular flow-area choke disposed within the outer housing, the variable annular flow-area choke having a first generally tubular member sealingly disposed within the outer housing, the first tubular member having a shoulder with a sealing surface, a second generally tubular member slidingly and sealingly disposed within the outer housing, the second tubular member having a shoulder with a sealing surface, the second member movable between a sealed position wherein the sealing surfaces are in sealing abutment and an open position wherein the sealing surfaces are spaced apart. The sealing surfaces preferably provide a metal-to-metal seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jimmie Robert Williamson
  • Patent number: 6702023
    Abstract: A method for treating an underground reservoir, which method comprises introducing into the reservoir a treatment fluid comprising, dissolved or dispersed in water, an ester and a non-enzyme catalyst capable of increasing the rate of hydrolysis of the ester, such that the ester hydrolyses to produce an organic acid to dissolve acid soluble material present within the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Cleansorb Limited
    Inventors: Ralph Edmund Harris, Ian Donald McKay
  • Patent number: 6691786
    Abstract: A valve has a pair of surfaces, such as those of pipes, with an inflatable bladder disposed therebetween. Controlled inflation and deflation of the bladder provides for control of flow through the valve. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Dinesh R. Patel
  • Patent number: 6688386
    Abstract: This invention provides a tubing hanger system which isolates production tubing from a power cable, protects the cable from high pressure, and enables pressure testing of the production and cable seals. A tubing hanger member is seated in a tubing head to seal against a central bore, and a tubing head adapter is fastened above the tubing head. The tubing head adapter and the tubing hanger member form a tubing port and a cable port. A tubing seal-off nipple connects and seals the tubing port in each of the tubing head adapter and the tubing hanger member, and a cable seal-off nipple connects and seals the cable port in each of the tubing head adapter and the tubing hanger member. Seals are provided between the cable and cable port in the tubing hanger member, and between the cable and cable port in the tubing head adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Stream-Flo Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael James Cornelssen, Keith David Farquharson
  • Patent number: 6681872
    Abstract: An in situ reactor for use in a geological strata, is described and which includes a liner defining a centrally disposed passageway and which is placed in a borehole formed in the geological strata; and a sampling conduit is received within the passageway defined by the liner and which receives a geological specimen which is derived from the geological strata, and wherein the sampling conduit is in fluid communication with the passageway defined by the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC
    Inventors: Corey William Radtke, David Bradley Blackwelder
  • Patent number: 6672407
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for drilling, analyzing, and stabilizing subsurface formations. The system is generally formed around a reusable bottomhole assembly (BHA) that provides an anchoring and thrust mechanism, furnishing the necessary downward force needed to provide comminution of geological material in a borehole. The BHA is conveyed into the borehole via a communications link wireline equiped with internal power and data telemetry lines. The BHA permits the use of multiple comminution sampling and analysis tools via a coupling device. The BHA and communications link wireline are mounted so as to couple with different tools. The main drilling mechanism is a torque drive assembly powered coring tool. A borehole televiewer and/or logging analysis tool may follow each coring period. The final step in each coring period is a wellbore consolidation technique. This series of steps is then repeated, each time coring the wellbore to a deeper depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven George Streich
  • Patent number: 6672386
    Abstract: A method of performing a formation rate analysis from pressure and formation flow rate data. Pressure and flow rate data are measured as fluid is withdrawn from a formation. Variable system volume is accounted for. The pressure and flow rate data are correlated using a multiple linear regression technique. Time derivative terms related to pressure and flow rate are smoothed using a summation technique, thereby providing better correlations than using the time derivatives directly. Formation parameters comprising formation permeability, formation pressure, and fluid compressibility may be determined from the correlation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Sven Krueger, Eick Niemeyer, Matthias Meister
  • Patent number: 6668930
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for expanding coiled tubing within a wellbore in order to form a patch. In one aspect, an expansion assembly is run into the wellbore at the lower end of a string of coiled tubing. The expansion assembly includes a cutting tool and an expander tool. The coiled tubing is run into the wellbore such that the expander tool is adjacent a portion of surrounding casing or other tubular body to be patched. The expander tool is actuated so as to expand a selected portion of the coiled tubing into frictional engagement with the surrounding casing, thereby forming a patch within the wellbore. The cutting tool is actuated so as to sever the coiled tubing downhole above the patch. The severed coiled tubing is then pulled, thereby removing the expansion assembly from the wellbore as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Corey E. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6668948
    Abstract: A jet nozzle is provided for drilling holes through the earth, such as drainholes around a well. The nozzle may include orifices for discharging fluid to drive the nozzle forward and includes a disk or other device having orifices to produce a swirling motion to fluid in the body of the nozzle. Swirling fluid is discharged from a front orifice and an extension is placed forward of the front orifice to confine the swirling fluid in a radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Buckman Jet Drilling, Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Buckman, Sr., Thomas L. Dotson, Michael D. McDaniels, Wendell S. Bell
  • Patent number: 6666286
    Abstract: There is provided a fluid circulating apparatus for a drill that requires only a small amount of coolant, as a suspension is collected and reused. The apparatus (1) for use with a drill (2) includes a suspension collecting device (3) that collects a suspension derived from the coolant mixed with chippings (S) through cutting and drilling operations, a suspension filtering device that filters off the chippings included in the suspension, thereby making the resultant coolant to be stored in a reservoir (4a), and a coolant supplying means that supplies the coolant obtained by the suspension filtering device and stored in the reservoir to the bit. The suspension collecting device includes a vacuum pump used to collect the suspension from a water-receiving pad so provided as to surround a point to be drilled by changing a pressure in the reservoir to subatmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Goei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Yamashita
  • Patent number: 6659197
    Abstract: Determining the downhole rheological properties of a wellbore fluid. The method includes moving the wellbore fluid through a wellbore tool assembly into a wellbore at a first flow rate. A pressure is measured at a first position proximate a bottom of the wellbore. A pressure is measured at a second position in the wellbore axially separated from the first position. The wellbore fluid is then moved through the wellbore tool assembly at a second flow rate. Measuring pressure at the first and second positions is repeated, and at least one rheological property is determined from the pressure measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Iain Cooper
  • Patent number: 6655460
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides a downhole tool with an improved means of transmitting data to and from the tool through the use of wired pipe capable of transmitting a signal and/or power between the surface of the well and any components in a drill string. In one aspect, a downhole tool includes a body, and a mandrel disposed in the body and movable in relation to the body. A conducive wire runs the length of the body and permits signals and/or power to be transmitted though the body as the tool changes its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Bailey, Michael Nero, Timothy L. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6640910
    Abstract: A system for downhole drilling and coring includes a roller vane motor for driving a drill bit. The motor has a single jacket with a lower end and an upper end and being embodied such that all drilling fluid passes inside the jacket to the drill bit. The system further has a bent sub connected to the upper end of the motor. The jacket has outwardly projecting curved members forming recesses therebetween for the passage of return drilling fluid, the curved members creating a circular surface having a diameter approximately equal to that of the drill bit. The curved members as well as the recesses therebetween each extend in longitudinal direction over the full length of the jacket of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Ultidrill B.V.
    Inventor: Arnold Willem Josephus Grupping
  • Patent number: 6634444
    Abstract: A drill bit for trenchless drilling includes a bit body defining a longitudinal axis about which the drill bit is rotated during a trenchless drilling operation. Two sets of cutting teeth are mounted at a front end of the bit body, the sets disposed on opposite sides of the axis. The first and second sets are brazed into respective slots formed in the first and second side surfaces of the bit body. The slots on each side surface communicate with a common groove, wherein the groove forms a shoulder against which rear ends of the cutting teeth abut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Sandvik Rock Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Fuller, Kenneth Monyak, Thomas J. Maechler
  • Patent number: 6634430
    Abstract: A method of installing tubular conduits (e.g. casing, liners, sand screens) into a highly deviated borehole. A lower plug is attached at one end of a portion of a tubular conduit. This end is inserted into a borehole. After insertion of the length of conduit intended to be buoyancy-aided into the borehole, an inflatable plug insert is attached at the upper end. The inflatable plug has a built-in valve designed to enable fluid communication between the buoyancy-aided tubular section and the insertion string. A pump is attached to the built-in valve and the fluid within the section intended to be buoyancy-aided is removed, after which the built-in valve is closed. The buoyancy provided by the evacuated section enables insertion of the tubular conduit into boreholes greatly deviated from the vertical, reducing running drag and the risk of the tubular becoming differentially stuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Charles R. Dawson, Mark W. Biegler